USA > Michigan > Jackson County > Jackson > Minutes of the Michigan Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919 > Part 4
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Question 23. Who are the Supernumerary Preachers. Bishop Mc- Dowell also asked Question 23, and on motion the following were con-
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tinued in the Supernumerary relation. C. L. Beebe, Elliott Bouck, F. M. Cottrell, A. O. Carman, B. T. Fisk, A. T. Goslin, F. W. Nickel, I. H. Skinner, N. S. Tuttle.
W A. Robinson and A. T. Luther were referred to the Committee on Conference Relations.
Stewardship Vacancy. On motion of J. B. Peatling, A. S. Williams was named to fill the vacancy on the Board of Stewards caused by the death of E. E. Sprague.
Introductions. F. M. Stone, Area Director of the Centenary, of the North Indiana Conference, and Dr. John Krantz, of Newark Conference, representing the World Outlook, and Dr. George Elliott, of the Detroit Conference, were introduced. Dr. J. H. Potts, former Editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate was presented and spoke a brief word of greeting.
Adjournment. Announcements were made, the Doxology was sung, and the Conference adjourned, with benediction by Dr. Potts.
THIRD DAY.
Thursday, September 11, 1919.
The Bishop called the Conference to order at 8:30, and announced Hymn No. 143, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory." Prayer was offered by F. F. Fitchett, Editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate. The Bishop read the Scripture and the Hymn "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," was sung, after which the Bishop gave a searching address on "Putting the Main Question," closing with prayer.
Journal. The Journal of the sessions of the first and second days were read and approved.
Statistical Reports. The Treasurer called a list of charges for cor- rections in statistics and asked for instructions concerning filling in of Centenary Statistics. On motion of C. S. Wheeler a committee of one from each District was named who should see that blanks in pastor's reports were properly filled with the necessary and proper figures. Wm. Chapman, W. E. Doty, A. W. Wallis, Ray Merrill, J. C. DeVinney, E. C. Dewey, D. S. Coors, were named as such committee.
Corporate Conference Deferred. On motion of C. S. Wheeler, the rule regarding the holding of the Corporate Conference Session was suspended.
Committee on Courtesies. On motion of W. I. Cogshall a Committee on Courtesies was authorized. E. A. Armstrong, A. R. Johns, and F. M. Taylor were appointed.
Committee on Conference Relations. W. I. Cogshall reported for the Committee on Conference Relations and the following changes were made. R. S. McGregor, A. F. Hart, J. W. Steffe were changed from effective to
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Retired; Richard Wearne and C. S. Whaley from Effective to Super- numerary; and Wm. Jones, Theron Jenne, and D. E. Birtch from Super- numerary; to Effective. Wm. Jones was granted credit for the past year's work as though it had been spent in the effective relation.
Superintendents' Report. J. C. Floyd read the combined report of the District Superintendents. It was a statesman like paper and was received with prolonged applause. On motion it was directed that the paper in its entirety be printed in the minutes, and also be furnished by the Secretary in tract form in quantities to supply the membership of our churches. The Hymn, "Jesus Thine All Victorious Love," was sung.
Referred to Committee on Conference Relations. Joel Hilburn and W. T. Hill were referred to the Committee on Conference relations.
Michigan Christian Advocate. F. F. Fitchett, Editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate, was introduced and reported the situation of the Advo- cate and closed his remarks by reading the following:
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Christian Advocate, held Sept. 6, 1919, the following resolution, offered by H. Lester Smith, was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That after retaining sufficient cash to liquidate the stock of the Michigan Christian Advocate, this Corporation, through its Board of Directors, in accordance with the agreement made by the Stockholders, offers and consents to turn over, free from debt to the Detroit and Mich- igan Conferences, or to trustees appointed by them, all the physical prop- erty, cash, accounts, and good will of the Michigan Christian Advocate, the present corporation, said Conferences, through these trustees, to be responsible for the completion of unfulfilled subscriptions, and other obli- gations and contracts.
This proposition was referred to the Committee on Christian Advo- cate Matters.
Garrett and Drew. Prof. S. C. Bronson of the Garrett Biblical Insti- tute and Prof. F. W. Hannan, of Drew Theological Seminary, were intro- duced and spoke briefly of the work of those institutions.
Clark Home. J. C. Floyd presented the annual report of the Board of Trustees of Clark Home. (See Report.) Following his report, L. L. Skilli- man presented the Treasurer's report of the home. (See Report.) On motion of J. R. T. Lathrop, the Conference expressed its appreciation of the services of Mr. Skilliman as Treasurer by extending to him a vote of thanks.
Miss Geraldine Townsend. A beautiful and very impressive incident occurred when Bishop Henderson called to the platform Miss Geraldine Townsend, under appointment to Epworth League work in China and soon to leave for her field of labor. With her he called her father, a pastor in the Detroit Conference, her mother, and her brother, who is preparing for Christian work in either the home or foreign field. The Bishop spoke some very fitting words of appreciation, and Miss Townsend spoke of her call to the foreign field. The Bishop closed the incident with a tender word of prayer.
Drafts Announced. The Bishop announced the Draft from the Book
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Concern, amounting to $4,502, and from the Chartered Fund, amounting to $35, and they were ordered passed to the Conference Treasurer.
Election confirmed. On motion of J. R. T. Lathrop, the election of Prof. Frank A. Bacon to be a Trustee of Clark Home was confirmed.
Introduction. Dr. John Dystant, District Superintendent, of the Detroit Conference, was introduced.
Adjournment. The Conference adjourned by expiration of time, with the benediction by Rev. F. H. Townsend.
FOURTH DAY. Friday, September 12, 1919.
Conference was called to order at 8:30 by the Bishop, who announced Hymn No. 508, "Precious Name." A. W. Mumford offered prayer. The Bishop read a Scripture lesson from the 4th chapter of Luke.
Merle P. Culver. The transfer of Merle P. Culver, to the New York East Conference for purposes of ordination, and his subsequent transfer to the Michigan Conference was announced.
General Conference Elections. On motion of W. I. Cogshall the elec- tion of General Conference delegates was made the order of the day for 10:00 o'clock.
Corporate Conference. The hour for the session of the Corporate Conference was fixed at 10:45.
D. A. Rood. On motion, D. A. Rood was referred to the Committee on Conference Relations.
Bishop's Address. It developed that there were no candidates for admission into full membership. The Bishop therefore addressed the Con- ference, a continuance of the theme of yesterday, "Putting the Main Ques- tion." At the close of his address an altar service, to which the entire conference responded, was held.
Election of Delegates. The Secretary announced that the member- ship of the Conference was 326, entitling it to seven delegates. The Bishop announced the conditions for balloting. On motion, the tellers were instructed to refer any doubtful ballots to the Conference for decision. Tellers were appointed as follows: T. G. R. Brownlow, Quinton Walker, C. E. Thies, H. L. Potter, F. L. Niles, R. E. Showerman, F. S. Kinney. The ballot was taken and the tellers retired.
Transfers. D. J. Good was transferred from the Indiana Conference and Edgar Andrews from the North Dakota Conference.
Michigan Christian Advocate. Alfred Way presented the report of the Committee on Advocate matters. See Report.
In connection with the discussion of the report the courtesy of the floor was extended to Dr. Critchett, the Editor of the Advocate. On motion
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the Report with its recommendations was adopted, the votes of the absent tellers being collected by an assistant Secretary.
On motion, the Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for W. H. Phelps, Hugh Kennedy, M. L. Fox, and W. F. Kendrick as Trustees of the Advocate corporation. The ballot was so cast and they were declared elected.
Corporate Conference Session. The hour for the session of the Cor- porate Conference having arrived, the Bishop called Pres. French to the chair. Louis DeLamarter read his report as Secy. of the Board of Trustees, and it was adopted. See Report.
On motion of W. M. Puffer, the Conference requested the Bishop to reappoint Bro. DeLamarter to his position of Secretary.
Claire Gibson read his report as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, and it was adopted, with an expression of thanks and appreciation for his services. See Report.
On motion, the Corporate Conference adjourned.
Bishop Resumes Chair. Bishop Henderson resumed the Chair.
A. T. Goslin ... On motion, A. T. Goslin was referred to the Board of Conference Relations.
P. J. Maveety in the Chair. The Bishop being called to the session of the Lay Electorial Conference, he called P. J. Maveety to preside. Harry Farmer. Rev. Harry Farmer, an Assistant Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions addressed the Conference on "Conserving the . Results of the Centenary."
Bishop Returns, Ballot Announced. The Bishop took the chair and the tellers having come in, announced the result of the first ballot for General Conference Delegates. Whole numbers of votes cast, 203; defective, 10; necessary to choice, 97. Hugh Kennedy received 128 and W. H. Phelps 119, and they were declared elected.
Second Ballot. A second ballot for delegates was ordered, a secre- tary being designated to collect the ballots of absent Statisticians and Treasurers. They were instructed to seal the ballot and report at the afternoon session.
Introductions. Dunning Idle, Russell Bready, Howard Field and C. Wakefield, of the Detroit Conference, were introduced.
Albion College. Albion College matters were made the order of the day for Saturday morning at 10:00 o'clock.
Adjournment. Conference adjourned by expiration of time, with the benediction by Russell Bready.
Afternoon Session.
The Conference was called to order at 2:00 by A. R. Johns, in the absence of the Bishop. He announced Hymn No. 411, "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee," and called upon L. H. Manning to offer prayer.
Bishop Takes the Chair. The Bishop entered and took the Chair.
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At his suggestion a Committee of two, consisting of E. A. Armstrong and W. F. Kendrick, was appointed to wait upon the Lay Electoral Conference and convey to them the expression of our desire that at their convenience the Conference would be glad to have them meet with the Conference in joint session.
Second Ballot. The Tellers returned and the Bishop announced the result of the second ballot. Whole number of votes cast, 151; defective, 3; necessary to choice, 75. J. C. Willits received 97; G. A. Brown, 85; P. J. Maveety, 85; R. E. Meader, 78, and they were declared elected.
Third Ballot Taken. A third ballot for one delegate was taken and the tellers retired.
Committee on Ordination. A Committee on Ordination, of three mem- bers was authorized at the request of the Bishop.
Secretary's Expenses. The Secretary presented the report of his ex- penses for the year and it was directed to be filed with the Auditors.
Third Ballot. The Tellers reported the third ballot. There was no election and a fourth ballot was ordered.
Visitors to Boys Conference. The Bishop appointed L. L. Dewey and C. J. McCombe to visit the Boys' Conference and convey to them the greetings of the Conference, with an invitation to attend the evening session of the Conference and to be on hand at 11:00 o'clock Saturday morning.
Centenary Matters, A. R. Johns, Presiding. The Conference gave its attention to the discussion of various phases of the Centenary Conser- vation, A. R. Johns being in the chair.
W. R. Fruit, of the Detroit Conference gave an address on the Steward- ship of Property.
Fourth Ballot. The Tellers returned and the Bishop announced the vote. Whole number cast, 158; defective, 1; necessary to choice, 79; C. S. Wheeler received 103 votes and was declared elected.
Reserve Delegates. On motion a ballot was ordered for two Reserve Delegates. It was taken and the Tellers retired.
R. C. Lord Excused. R. C. Lord was excused until Monday, and W. S. Phillips was designated to act as Secretary of Transportation in his absence.
John L. Fort. John L. Fort, of the Centenary Commission, gave an address on Mobilizing the Forces of Methodism.
Lay Electoral Conference Arrives. The brethren of the Lay Elec- toral Conference arrived in a body and were seated with the Conference. The Bishop called upon the President of the Lay Conference, Lt. Gov. Dickinson, to speak, and he did so briefly.
A. L. Parker. A. L. Parker, of Detroit, addressed the combined body on An Adequate Support for the Ministry.
Address of Bishop. Bishop Henderson addressed the combined Con- ference on the matter of better ministerial support.
Dr. E. L. Williams. Dr. Elmer Lynn Williams, of Chicago, Exten- sion Secretary of the Board of Temperance, Prohibition, and Public Morals addressed the Conference on the work of that Board ._
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Reserve Delegates. The Ballot for Reserve delegates was announced. ยท Number of votes cast, 143; defective, 3; necessary to choice, 71; W. F. Kendrick received 101 and M. L. Fox, 73 and they were declared elected.
Adjournment. Announcements were made, the Doxology was sung, and the Conference adjourned with the Benediction by the Bishop.
FIFTH DAY.
Saturday, September 13, 1919.
The Bishop called the Conference to order at 8:30, announcing Hymn No. 551, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." He read a selection from Mt. 11. W. F. Emery offered prayer. A stanza of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," was sung, after which the Conference Male Quartette sang a version of "Nearer My God To Thee."
Journal. The Journal of Thursday and Friday Sessions were read and approved.
Committee on Conference Relations. The Committee on Conference Re- lations reported and on their recommendation the following action was taken. W. D. Rowland was changed from Effective to Retired. Joel Hilburn and D. A. Rood were changed from Effective to Retired by necessary two- thirds vote, they not having served required thirty years. A. E. Gay and A. T. Cartland were changed from Effective to Supernumerary. A. T. Goslin was changed from Supernumerary to Retired. A. T. Luther was continued in the Supernumerary relation for the sixth year by necessary two-thirds vote. A. J. Morris was changed from Retired to Effective. W. A. Robinson was permitted to withdraw and his parchments were ordered to be properly endorsed and returned to him. H. B. Johnson was con- tinued in the Effective relation and requested to locate.
B. C. Parks. B. C. Parks was referred to the Committee on Conference Relations.
Ordination Committee. The Bishop announced the Committee on Ordination, to consist of F. H. Clapp, T. G. R. Brownlow, and J. B. Pinckard.
Conference Claimants Funds. J. B. Peatling read the following Resolu- tion and moved its adoption.
Resolved, that it shall be the policy of this Conference to increase the amounts apportioned to the charges for the support of the Conference Claimants each year by an amount sufficient to increase the annuity one dollar for each annuity year, until we shall have reached the full annuity claim provided by the Discipline. P. J. Maveety moved to amend by 'mak- ing the increase to be "sufficient to meet the full annuity claim." J. R. Wooton moved an amendment to the amendment that the increased appor- tionment should be sufficient to increase the annuity by two dollars yearly
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for each annuity year until the full claim was reached. E. G. Lewis moved as a substitute for all before the Conference that a special committee of five be appointed to whom the whole matter of increasing the funds for annual distribution to the Conference Claimants should be referred. The substitute prevailed. The Bishop appointed as such Committee, W. M. Puffer, C. J. Kruse, W. F. Kendrick, A. R. Johns, E. A. Armstrong.
Report Filed. Hugh Kennedy filed the Report of the Conference Board of Home Missions and Church Extension. See Report.
Board of Education. Dr. Warren F. Sheldon, of the Board of Edu- cation spoke of the work of the Board in connection with the State Universities.
Conference Cane. George Whitworth presented the Conference Cane to J. K. Stark, the oldest living member of the Conference prefacing his presentation speech by announcing an additional gift of $2,000 to the Whit- worth Fund for Conference Claimants. Bro Stark feelingly replied with a brief account of his ministry closing affectingly and effectively with the recital of Tennyson's "Crossing The Bar." The singing by the Conference of, "Jesus Savior Pilot Me," closed a very affecting incident.
W. M. Puffer moved a vote of appreciation to George Whitworth and wife for their generous gift, and it was voted.
Order of the Day. The time for the special Order of the Day having arrived, the interests of Albion college were represented. W. H. Phelps presented a comparison of the returns to the conference in workers from The State institutions and from Albion College. President Dickie and the Bishop spoke briefly.
Boys Conference. Answering to the Conference invitation the Boys Conference, 139 strong, arrived and marched in a body to seats vacated for them in the body of the Auditorium. They gave various yells and sang the hymn, "Building, Daily Building." W. H. Phelps gave an address of welcome to the boys, which was responded to by Huburtes Souffrou, of First Church, Grand Rapids. The Conference Male Quartette sang a selec- tion, "Onward and Upward and Forward." Peter Stair, who had organized and conducted the Boys Conference, spoke. The Bishop addressed the boys and at the close of his remarks challenged every boy who would undertake to "win his man" for Christ during the year to come to the altar and accept from him a copy of the New Testament to be suitably inscribed by himself. The entire body of boys responded to the call. It was a moment of very striking and impressive interest. The Conference joined in the singing of "Faith of Our Fathers." The Bishop closed with prayer.
Dr. Krantz. Dr. John Krantz, representing the World Outlook, spoke about that publication.
Adjournment. Announcements were made and on motion the Con- ference adjourned to meet at 1:30, with benediction by the Bishop.
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Afternoon Session.
The Bishop called the conference to order at 1:45, announcing Hymn 354, "O For A Heart to Praise My God." R. D. Freeman offered prayer.
Question 11. J. A. Brown, W. C. Donald, and W. Ray Prescott were graduated from the Conference Course of . Study and elected to Elder's Orders. Leroy Lightfoot was continued in the studies of the Third Year and elected to Elder's Orders under the Missionary Rule.
Question 8. R. G. Raymer was admitted to full connection and elected to Deacon's Orders. D. S. Coors was elected to Full Membership, he being an Elder. Isaiah Wasequam was elected to Deacon's Orders as a local preacher.
Excused. P. J. Maveety asked to be excused and it was granted. C. S. Risley was excused over Sunday, on account of the illness of his wife. Disciplinary Questions Asked. The Bishop called R. G. Raymer and D. S. Coors to the altar and propounded to them the necessary Disci- plinary questions and received from them satisfactory answers.
Adjournment. On motion the Conference adjourned with the bene- diction by H. V. Wade.
SEVENTH DAY.
Monday, September 15, 1919.
Conference was called to order at 8:45 by the Bishop, who announced Hymn No. 420, "True Hearted, Whole Hearted." He read the first chapter of Colossians. A. F. Nagler offered prayer.
Journal. The Journal of Saturday's sessions were read and approved. Ordinations. The Bishop filed the following Certificate of Ordinations.
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Certificate of Ordination.
This certifies that on Sunday, September 14, 1919, at Lansing, Michigan, I ordained Robert G. Raymer and Isaiah Wasequam as Deacons;
And also that, at the same time and place, assisted by Elders, I ordained James A. Brown, William C. Donald, LeRoy Lightfoot, and W. Ray Prescott as Elders;
All these having been elected by the Michigan Annual Conference.
Theodore S. Henderson.
Bishop on the Appointments. The Bishop spoke a brief word on some of the difficulties confronting the Cabinet in the making of the appoint- ments and asked the kindly indulgence and consideration of the members of the Conference.
Question 24. Question 24 was called and the following were continued in the Retired relation: C. H. Anderson, Levi Aler, James Allen, E. A. Baldwin, N. M. Barnes, C. L. Barnhart, J. C. Beach, J. H. Bennett, N. L. Bray, J. A. Bready, R. H. Bready, J. W. Buell, G. A. Buell, A. W. Burns, M. D. Carrell, J. C. Chase, W. I. Cogshall, W. M. Colby, W. Z. Cole, D. Cronk, J. C. Dietrich, J. Dobson, J. C. Dorris, J. P. Durham, J. Draper, A. N. Eldred, J. H. Emmons, G. K. Fairbanks, G. W. Goslin, J. Graham, W. W. Gray, L. Grosenbaugh, J. W. Hallenbeck, J. W. Hart, G. S. Hickey, P. D. Huff, N. F. Jenkins, C. W. Jones, L. B. Kenyon, A. R. Keillor, Geo. Killeen, L. E. Lennox, E. T. Lumbar, W. L. Mann, N. D. Marsh, L. S. Matthews, G. B. Millar, H. H. Miller, B. S. Mills, G. L. Mount, J. C. Newcomer, J. R. Oden, G. A. Odlum, L. N. Pattison, J. H Potts, D E. Reed, L. P. Richtmyer, I. H. Riddick, D. C. Riehl, T. Riley, W. W. Rork, E. L. Sinclier, Albert Smith, J. K. Stark, D. Streeter, A. K. Stewart, E. A. Tanner, R. W. Tindall, E. Treadgold, S. Trewin, J. S. Valentine, George Varion, F A. VanDeWalker, D. M. Ward, E. Wigle, Joseph Wilks, Isaiah Wilson. E. W. Wood.
N. L. Bray, Anniversary Sermon. M. D. Carrel read the following Reso- lution and it was adopted.
Whereas our honored Brother, Nicholas L. Bray will complete next year the 50th year of his connection with this Conference,
Resolved that the Conference requests him to prepare a semi-centen- nial address to be delivered at the next session of the Conference.
M. D. Carrell,
E. A. Armstrong, W. I. Cogshall.
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Mrs. J. W. White,. On motion of W. P. French, Mrs. J. W. White, widow of one of our Retired Ministers, was referred to the Board of Stewards.
Bishop Burt. Bishop Henderson announced a telegram of greeting from Bishop Burt. On motion of Thomas Laity, the Conference ordered a suit- able reply sent to Bishop Burt, conveying the greetings of the Conference.
Question 11. Who have completed the Conference Course of Study? was called, and D. Stanley Coors was graduated from the course. J. W. Broxholm, E. R. Cockrun, C. V. Howell, B. C. Parks, W. Y. Pohly were continued in the studies of the Fourth Year.
Question 10. Who are in the Studies of the Fourth Year was asked, and S. J. Headley and J. W. Stanton were advanced from the studies of the Third to those of the Fourth Year. O. R. Grattan, R. S. Miller, H. A. Crumb, E. L. English, C. J. Frank, Emor Hice, Theron Jenne, E. K. Smith were continued in the studies of the Third Year.
Question 9. Who are in Studies of the Third Year was asked. W. J. C. Belch and Delphos Berry were discontinued; M. P. Culver and H. L. Thornton were continued on trial in the studies of the Third Year. W. A. Ely, S. J. Harrison, Gordon McDonald, S. A. P. Reakes, G. P. Stanford, E. F. Vane were continued on trial in the studies of the Second Year. R. C. Mitts, John W. Alexander, James Bowker, B. A. Hahn, S. B. Niles were advanced from the First to the Second Year. R. M. Dean, S. L. Reagan, C. A. Jacobs, B. B. Swem were Continued on Trial in studies of the First Year. L. G. Foreman was announced as transferred to the West Ohio Conference and V. C. Webb was discontinued.
Question 5. Who are Admitted on Trial, was called. The following men were called, presented to the Conference, reported on by the Registrar, represented by their District Superintendents, and were admitted to the Conference On Trial. A. W. Buege, W. H. Helrigel, Arlie H. Krussell. Ray M. Lawrence, John R. Morrison, A. H. Pellowe, Charles Gordon Phil- lips, Claud W. Satterlee, Alfred Thompson and Leroy Whitney.
Committee on Conference Relations. W. I. Cogshall reported for the committee on Conference Relations recommending that E. R. Cockrun be granted a Certificate of Location at his own request, and it was done.
W. J. Coates. On motion of J. R. T. Lathrop, W. J. Coates was granted a year's leave of absence.
Robt. Houston. On motion of Hugh Kennedy, the orders of Robt. Houston, of the Congregational church, were recognized as a Local Elder. Summer School of Theology. Charles Nease read the following Reso- lution and it was adopted.
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